Global Reach: Past Grantees

Context:

With half of the 75 million population under 30 years of age, Turkey has the largest youth population of all European countries. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜ?K February 2014), youth unemployment (15-24 age) is 17%, so the country faces a number of challenges with successfully preparing its youth for their future lives and careers. Youth in Turkey are mostly unaware of their opportunities or discouraged from making self-determined choices for their lives, studies and careers. The highly exam-focused education system fails to detect and channel talents. Long years of education do not guarantee a high quality job. Youth employment is a major challenge in Turkey; 20% of 15-24 year olds unemployed, 30% of uni grads unemployed, nearly 35% of 10-29 year olds not in education, employment or training.

Organization:

MIKADO is a social enterprise founded in Turkey in 2007 by Ashoka Fellow Serra Titiz. MIKADO provides guidance to a number of projects in social fields. It has consolidated its expertise in supporting youth to make sound career, education and life decisions through years of experience in projects such as The Promotion of Vocational Education Project (Meslek Lisesi, Memleket Meselesi in collaboration with Koç Holding). Future is Brighter (GDN) is a project of MIKADO. GDN addresses the missing linkage between the private sector and formal education institutions. The Future is Brighter Youth Platform initiative combines on and offline counselling, mentoring, coaching and skills development tools while involving hundreds of role models, organizations and companies as voluntary contributors to equip young people in the process of life, education and career decisions.